Figure, shows how the potential energy V for two neighbouring atoms varies with their separation r. Which statement is correct?
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The potential energy V(r) curve shows interaction between two atoms. The force F is related to V by F = -dV/dr. At equilibrium separation, F=0 (dV/dr=0), which occurs at point Y, not X. For r < OY, the slope dV/dr is positive, so F is negative (attractive). For r > OY, slope is negative, so F is positive (repulsive). Hooke's law relates to small displacements near equilibrium (Y), not point Z.
Final answer: the force between atoms is repulsive for separation greater than OY